She's working to create an official nonprofit organization for her program to help families who've lost their homes in fires after her family suffered that same fate.

Lauren Hontz and her family are now settled into a home in Severn. But just a few months ago, on July 7, their house in Hanover went up in flames from a grill fire. The family lost nearly everything.

"The days after, having to tell the kids that we weren't going to go home, at least not anytime soon, and that looking in your children's eyes, and they're looking for things of theirs. That was heartbreaking," mother Jenny Hontz said.

Nine-year-old Lauren and her three brothers immediately missed some of their comfort items, like a special blanket Lauren's had since she was 4. Lauren asked for a replacement blanket and got several extra, and that gave her an idea.

"I just thought maybe other people would want some of the stuff that I also wanted after a fire, like blankets and stuffed animals," Lauren said.

With that, Lauren's Luggage was born. She started collecting luggage and backpacks and items to fill them, things as simple as a toothbrush and toothpaste or paper towels, but also blankets, stuffed animals, and toys for kids.

The kits are given to families, like the Hontz's, who are victims of fire or other disasters that take away their homes.

"I hope in the days after the fire, it makes it easier for them," Lauren said.

"It's just grown on it's own, and it's grown because it's an amazing idea. It's a really simple idea, and it's a 9-year-old girl who had the courage instead of becoming a victim to decide to help other people," Hontz said.

The luggage kits are now at several local fire stations, and Lauren is listed as a resource for the Red Cross. She's got a Facebook page and website where people can donate items or money for her to buy supplies.

Lauren has also been recognized by MEMA and received coins from the governor and the National Guard for her work, but she remains modest about making a difference.

"I really like helping people. After I deliver the luggage, it feels so nice that I've helped someone," Lauren said.

To donate to Lauren's Luggage, drop-off donations can be collected this week at the Monarch Academy in Glen Burnie, which is Lauren's school, or visit laurensluggage.com.